UPSC NDA NA I Admit Card 2026 Out: Download Hall Ticket for National Defence Academy Exam
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the E-Admit Card for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I), 2026. This recruitment drive aims to fill 394 prestigious vacancies within the Indian Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. Candidates who successfully completed their registration between 10th December and 30th December 2025 can now access their hall tickets through the official UPSC digital portal. The examination is scheduled to be conducted nationwide on 12 April 2026.
Securing the admit card is the most critical step for aspirants looking to join the 157th Course of the NDA and the 119th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). As per the official guidelines, no physical admit cards will be sent by post. Candidates must download the digital copy using their Registration ID (RID) or Roll Number.
UPSC NDA NA I Admit Card 2026: Exam Overview
The NDA/NA entrance is considered one of the most competitive examinations in India. It serves as the gateway for young aspirants to become commissioned officers. Below is a comprehensive snapshot of the recruitment cycle.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Commission | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | NDA / NA – I Exam 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 394 Posts |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Admit Card Status | Available Now (Released 01 April 2026) |
| Selection Stages | Written Test, SSB Interview, Medical & Physical |
Vacancy Details Wing-Wise UPSC NDA NA I Admit Card 2026
The 394 vacancies are strategically divided across the three wings of the Indian Armed Forces and the Naval Academy. It is essential for candidates to know the specific vacancy count for their preferred wing:
- National Defence Academy (NDA):
- Army: 208 Posts (Including female candidates)
- Navy: 42 Posts (Including female candidates)
- Air Force: 120 Posts (Flying: 92, Tech: 18, Non-Tech: 10)
- Naval Academy (NA):
- 10+2 Cadet Entry: 24 Posts (Male candidates only)
Eligibility Criteria: Academic and Age Requirements for UPSC NDA NA I Admit Card 2026 Posts
UPSC maintains a very high standard for entry into the National Defence Academy. Eligibility is defined by both academic qualifications and specific age brackets.
Academic Qualifications
For Army Wing of NDA: Candidates must have passed the Class 12th (Intermediate) examination from a recognized board or university. Candidates currently appearing for Class 12 are also eligible to apply.
For Air Force and Naval Wings: Applicants must have passed Class 12th with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. This technical background is required to handle the advanced equipment and systems used in the Navy and Air Force.
Age Limits and Birth Range
Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible. The age range for NDA I 2026 is as follows:
- Eligible Birth Dates: Candidates must have been born between 02 July 2007 and 01 July 2010.
- Both the start and end dates are inclusive. As per UPSC norms, no age relaxation is generally provided for this specific entry, regardless of category.
How to Download UPSC NDA NA I Admit Card 2026
To avoid technical glitches on the official server, follow these systematic steps to retrieve your admit card:
- Navigate to the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in.
- Locate the “Admit Cards” section on the homepage or look under “What’s New”.
- Click on the link titled “E-Admit Card: National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026”.
- A set of instructions will appear. Read them carefully and click ‘Yes’ to proceed.
- Choose your login method: By Registration ID or By Roll Number.
- Enter your details along with your Date of Birth and the Captcha code shown on the screen.
- Your UPSC NDA Admit Card will be displayed. Verify all details like Exam Center and Reporting Time.
- Download the PDF and print it on a high-quality A4 sheet.
Admin Expert Analysis: If you find any discrepancy in your name, father’s name, or photograph on the admit card, you must immediately contact the UPSC facilitation counter via email. Carrying an admit card with errors can lead to disqualification at the gate. Furthermore, ensure the printout is clear enough to show the QR code, which is used for digital verification at many centers.
Selection Mode : UPSC NDA NA I Admit Card 2026
The selection for NDA is a multi-dimensional process designed to test both mental aptitude and officer-like qualities (OLQs).
- Written Examination: This consists of two papers—Mathematics (300 Marks) and General Ability Test (600 Marks). Candidates must clear the sectional cutoff for both papers to qualify.
- SSB Interview: Qualified candidates are called for a 5-day Intelligence and Personality Test conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB). This includes psychology tests, GTO tasks, and personal interviews.
- Medical Examination: Candidates recommended by the SSB undergo a thorough medical check-up at military hospitals to ensure they meet the rigorous physical standards of the armed forces.
- Final Merit List: The final selection is based on the combined marks of the Written Exam and the SSB Interview.
Important Links for UPSC NDA NA I Admit Card 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):UPSC NDA NA I Admit Card 2026
What is the exam date for UPSC NDA I 2026?
The written examination for NDA/NA-I is scheduled for 12 April 2026.
Can I show my admit card on my mobile phone at the center?
No, a hard copy (printout) of the E-Admit Card is mandatory for entry into the exam hall.
What items are prohibited in the NDA exam hall?
Mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches, and any other electronic gadgets or reference materials are strictly prohibited.
What is the age criteria for NDA 1 2026?
Candidates must be born between 02 July 2007 and 01 July 2010.
Are female candidates eligible for the Naval Academy (NA)?
The 10+2 Cadet Entry for the Naval Academy (NA) is only for male candidates, whereas NDA wings are open to both.
How many papers are there in the NDA written exam?
There are two papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT), both conducted on the same day.
What is the application fee for SC/ST candidates?
SC, ST, and all Female candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
Is the 12th pass certificate required during the written exam?
No, but you must carry your original Photo ID as mentioned on your admit card.
What pen should be used for the OMR sheet?
UPSC recommends using only a Black Ball Point Pen for marking the OMR sheet.
How can I retrieve my RID if I lost it?
You can use the ‘Forgot RID’ option on the UPSC Online portal to recover it using your name and father’s name.
